Chance Friday evening t-storms, cooler weekend

We did it!

The temperature at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport hit 90 degrees by mid-afternoon today, and it may get even warmer. We topped the previous record high for May 6th of 89 degrees.

Fire danger

Because it is very warm, with low humidity levels and strong winds, there is a very high fire danger this afternoon and early evening. Any fires that develop will probably spread rapidly, so outdoor burning is not recommended.

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The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning that continues into this evening for most of central and northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin:

The northern half of the Twin Cities metro area is included in the red flag warning. There is an elevated fire danger over southern Minnesota as well, even though the south is not included in the red flag warning.

Thunderstorms possible

A cold front is moving through Minnesota later today and tonight:

rt56allfronts2

It could bring us some scattered thunderstorms, and an isolated strong or severe thunderstorm is possible late this afternoon or this evening.

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service has a marginal risk of severe weather from southwestern Minnesota through east-central Minnesota, and parts of Wisconsin, from later this afternoon into tonight:

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NWS Storm Prediction Center

The Twin Cities metro area is included in the marginal risk of severe weather.

Cooler weekend

Cooler air settles in over Minnesota later tonight, and high temperatures will be close to normal on Saturday:

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Much of Minnesota will see highs in the 60s, with a few spots topping out in the lower 70s.

Nice Mother's Day

Sunday will be sun-splashed, with light winds. Highs in the lower 70s will be common over central and southern Minnesota:

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60s are expected over northern Minnesota.

Rain to start the week

We could use some rain.

Computer models are showing a good chance of occasional showers Monday and Tuesday:

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Forecast data via NWS Twin Cities

Some showers could linger into Wednesday.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates at 7:35 a.m. weekend mornings on Minnesota Public Radio.